Daily (or not so daily) update from L/J/E/J

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

I know, I know, I have been a bad blogger. Don't expect apologies and, most likely, don't expect another post for another few months.

In our annual 4 day weekend celebration of our anniversary courtesy of Rhode Island's continued commemoration of Victory over Japan day (a little non-PC, I think, but it is stupendous to have a 4 day weekend in the summer that the rest of the world doesn't have), Jim and I went away for a long weekend to the White Mountains. It can basically be summarized by rest/relaxation, beer, and hiking- not necessarily in that order.

On the way up to New Hampshire, we stopped at Harpoon Brewery for a 30 minute tour and then 30 minute sampling. I have fallen in love with Triticus- one of their new beers. If you like stouts, you will LOVE it!

Fairly uneventful rest of the drive up to the inn. Checked in then off to dinner where I had a quite yummy Headwall Alt by Tuckerman Ale.

After a yummy breakfast at the inn on Sunday morning, it was off to the top of Mount Washington. Jim was excited to retrace Ben Affleck's steps from Voyage of the Mimi. From recommendation of one of the inn folks, we took the Alpine Trail to Lions Head to view Tuckermans Ravine. Quite impressive! I do plan on skiing this next ski season. Who's in? Followed up by a great 5 course dinner at the inn (with double desserts- what could be bad?)

Next morning, after a stupendous breakfast again, off for a few more hikes to Diana's Baths, Cathedral Ledge, Falls Pond, and Sabbaday Falls. Tons of stopped cars on the Kancamangus led us to a mom and baby moose siting. Then, off to the Woodstock Brewery for another of my new favorite beers, the Old Man Oatmeal Stout. Another yummy dinner, this time at the White Mountain Cider Company.

Next morning, another great breakfast (sense a trend?) and checkout from the inn. Last minute, we decided to take a not-so-direct detour to home via Brunswick. On the way there, we did a hike of Bald Face Mountain. In Maine, we got a little (OK, a lot confused) by the "Maine Turnpike that used to be 495 now being called 95 and 95 now being called 295 and 495 being no longer" phenomenon that seems to have hit Maine since we had last been there but figured it out eventually. Then off to Topsham for the Sea Dog Brewery- I highly (and I mean highly) recommend the Hazelnut Porter. Then to Brunswick for a little jaunt across campus. Off to Portland to go to the Great Lost Bear, home of an amazing selection of beers and (although I couldn't quite order it myself) the Almighty Cheesus (go ahead, google it, you will most likely plan your whole next vacation around this thing).

And, lastly, off to home, where the last 10 miles took 60 minutes courtesy of evening road construction. Yeah well, it couldn't beat me down. It was still a GREAT trip.